2nd Signal chat reveals Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth messaging about Yemen strikes with family members, ABC News sources say
Share this @internewscast.com

Department of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth shared details about an imminent attack on Houthis in Yemen in March in a second group chat using the messaging app Signal that included his wife, his brother and his personal lawyer two sources familiar with the contents of the chat told ABC News.

Those details shared in the second chat included the flight schedules for the F/A-18 Hornets involved in the pending attack on Houthi positions, according to the officials. The New York Times was first to report Hegseth’s sharing of the details in a second Signal group.

The sharing of the details reportedly occurred around the same time in mid-March when key members of President Donald Trump’s National Security Council, including Hegseth, inadvertently shared details about the March 15 missile strike in Yemen with the editor-in-chief of The Atlantic.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with El Salvador's Minister of National Defense Rene Merino Monroy at the Pentagon, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Washington.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during a meeting with El Salvador’s Minister of National Defense Rene Merino Monroy at the Pentagon, Wednesday, April 16, 2025, in Washington.

(AP Photo/Nathan Howard)

Much of the same content was shared in the second encrypted chat with family members and others — a chat group that Hegseth had created on his personal phone during his confirmation process, the two officials told ABC News.

Hegseth’s wife, Jennifer Hegseth, does not work for the Defense Department.

His brother, Phil Hegseth, works as a senior adviser at the Department of Homeland Security and is detailed to the Defense Department. Tim Parlatore, Hegseth’s personal attorney, works at the Pentagon as a Navy reservist assigned to Hegseth’s office.

ABC News has reached out to the Pentagon for comment, but has not yet received a response.

Sources confirmed with ABC News that the second known Signal chat was originally created to discuss scheduling and administrative information.

The Pentagon’s independent inspector general is evaluating Hegseth’s use of the Signal app “to determine the extent to which the Secretary of Defense and other DoD personnel complied with DoD policies and procedures” to conduct official business, the acting inspector general, Steven Stebbins, said in a notification letter to Hegseth.

The Trump administration has repeatedly refuted the idea that any classified information was shared in the first known chat thread; however, several former U.S. officials have contended that the sharing of such information over unapproved channels could at a minimum put troops overseas at risk.

Its use to divulge sensitive military operations may complicate ongoing investigations into potential leaks involving the first known group chat, which included top aides and other members of Pete Hegseth’s team — at least three of whom have been since fired in relation to the inquiry.

Those officials — Dan Caldwell, Colin Carroll and Darin Selnick — have since spoken out against what they say are baseless accusations against them.

“At this time, we still have not been told what exactly we were investigated for, if there is still an active investigation, or if there was even a real investigation of ‘leaks’ to begin with,” they said in a joint statement on X on April 19.

John Ullyot, the Pentagon’s former top spokesman, on Sunday published an opinion piece in Politico where he described “a month of total chaos at the Pentagon.”

“From leaks of sensitive operational plans to mass firings, the dysfunction is now a major distraction for the president – who deserves better from his senior leadership,” he wrote.

“Hegseth is now presiding over a strange and baffling purge that has left him without his two closest advisers of over a decade – Caldwell and Selnick – and without chiefs of staff for him and his deputy,” Ullyot wrote.

“Even strong backers of the secretary like me must admit: The last month has been a full-blown meltdown at the Pentagon – and it’s becoming a real problem for the administration,” he added.

“President Donald Trump has a strong record of holding his top officials to account,” wrote Ullyot. “Given that, it’s hard to see Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth remaining in his role for much longer.”

Ullyot left the Pentagon late last week after having been sidelined after he controversially defended the removal of Jackie Robinson information from a DOD website.

He said earlier this week that he had left the Pentagon on his own accord, while a senior defense official told ABC News that Ullyot was asked to resign.

Copyright © 2025 ABC News Internet Ventures.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Shocking footage shows Ukrainian drones hunting down Russian troops sneaking behind enemy lines on horseback

Unbelievable Drone Footage: Ukrainian Drones Track Russian Troops’ Stealthy Horseback Movement

In an audacious yet ill-fated attempt, a group of disheveled Russian soldiers…
NYC CCRB pushing out 'stigmatizing' claims against NYPD cops that ruin their careers even if unproven: lawsuit

Lawsuit Alleges NYC CCRB’s Unverified Reports are Damaging NYPD Careers

A recent lawsuit reveals that the police oversight group in New York…
Cardinal Blase Cupich reflects 1 year after Pope Francis' death, speaks on Donald Trump-Pope Leo feud over Iran war

Cardinal Cupich Shares Insights on Pope Francis’ Legacy and Addresses Trump-Pope Leo Iran Dispute

One year has passed since the death of Pope Francis, and Cardinal…
Mexico to beef up security at tourist sites after shooting at pyramids in lead up to World Cup

Mexico Enhances Tourist Site Security Ahead of World Cup: Measures Tightened After Pyramids Shooting

The Mexican government has announced plans to enhance security at popular tourist…
Meet the Iranian Regime Mouthpiece Pushing Anti-U.S. Memes From His California Home

California Resident Propagates Anti-U.S. Sentiments Online, Linked to Iranian Regime

Operating discreetly from the quiet suburbs of Southern California, a key propagandist…
Sheridan Gorman parents blast policies that led to illegal immigrant alleged Chicago murder

Outrage in Chicago: Sheridan Gorman’s Parents Condemn Policies After Tragic Murder by Alleged Illegal Immigrant

The grieving parents of a New York teenager who was brutally murdered…
Senate Republicans unveil suite of anti-fraud bills to save $240B

Senate Republicans Introduce Comprehensive Anti-Fraud Legislation Aiming to Save $240 Billion

WASHINGTON — Senate Republicans are set to introduce a comprehensive package of…
ICE detains man accused of sexually assaulting minor after hospital parking lot birth

ICE Detains Suspect in Hospital Parking Lot Birth Linked to Minor’s Sexual Assault

Immigration authorities have taken steps to detain a Mexican national facing allegations…
Virginia redistricting vote results: Virginia election results include approval of plan that could help Democrats in 2026 midterms

Virginia Redistricting Vote: Approved Plan Poised to Benefit Democrats in 2026 Midterms

WASHINGTON — In a move that could enhance the Democratic Party’s prospects…
Fugitive caregivers finally caught after disabled girl, 14, suffered horrific starvation death

Fugitive Caregivers Arrested After Tragic Death of 14-Year-Old Girl Due to Starvation

Authorities in Washington state have apprehended two caregivers accused of the murder…
Katie Porter's former staffers finally come to her aid to defend vile videos

Katie Porter’s Ex-Staff Members Step Up to Address Controversial Video Allegations

Katie Porter’s bid for California governor is gaining traction as nearly 30…
Skokie rally seeks to take stand against antisemitism after alleged incidents at Central, Lorel parks

Skokie Unites: Rallying Against Antisemitism Amid Park Incidents

In Skokie, Illinois, a community organized a poignant gathering on Tuesday evening…